He was a Co-Defensive coordinator for Nevada under current legendary coach Chris Ault.
DeRuyter coached the 2005 and 2006 seasons in Reno and with his help the Wolfpack went 17-8 in those two years.
DeRuyter also hired Cameron Norcross to be his offensive line coach.
Norcross spent the last 11 years in the same position at Nevada and Norcross played for the Wolfpack in the 90's.
If you've forgotten how important this game is I forgive you.
I mean there was only something called the presidential election right?!
Let's refresh, the 'Dogs are in a tie for first place in the Mountain West after a win over Hawaii at home last weekend. And they control their own destiny.
Only problem is they haven't beaten Nevada in their last four tries and this game is on the road.
I asked coach what it would take for the 'Dogs to get off to a fast start away from home.
"Well you hopefully come out and have a great day of practice. You go in there and I think each week we've gotten more confidence. And you've just got to execute you know. We like starting game on Defense, we've played pretty well early on Defense and if we can get stops or get takeaways it usually gets sparks our offense so if we can start the game like that hopefully we'll get started well." said DeRuyter.
"They're a really good team. And right now they're standing in our way from what we want to accomplish so we've got to work hard this whole week. Execute what we have to do in order to win in practice. So hopefully things go our way on Saturday." added Freshman Defensive Lineman Todd Hunt.
And we're learning more about the Wolfpack this week in practice.
We all know they have Visalia's own Stefphon Jefferson, who is second in the nation in rushing.
But they're balanced attack features 260 yards on the ground and in the air per game.
That even approach is something Nevada hopes to continue against the 'Dogs defense ranked in the top third in the nation.
Wolfpack head coach Chris Ault knows his offense will be tested Saturday.
"Again their defense is a good, sound defense. They're a blitzing defense they do a lot of different things." added Ault.
"Yeah you know MacKay's our home and we play really well there. And this year we haven't though, so we need to reclaim MacKay with what coach is saying.
They've got a good defense, they've lost three games but they're willing to fight. They're the top dogs in the Mountain West right now and we have to go at them." said Nevada Sophomore Quarterback Cody Fajardo.
